The History of Jake Burton

Name: Jake Burton Carpenter
Birthday: April 29, 1954
Home Town: Stowe, Vermont
Years Riding: 38 years
Number of days riding last season: 113
Favorite Resort: My home resort, Stowe
Favorite place to be in the summer: Surfing off a boat in the Indian Ocean

What do you do when you own the world's leading snowboard company? You ride as much as possible. And that's exactly what Jake Burton does. For at least 100 days a year, Jake is on snow testing new Burton product, taking runs with fellow riders and just having fun. He's not a fair weather rider either. You'll see Jake on the hill when it's spitting rain, getting his early morning fix before heading to work. When he's not riding, Jake goes to meetings, checks email and works just like everyone else. He's involved in everything from product development to catalog and ad creation. When it comes down to it, Jake is a constant reminder of why Burton exists in the first place, because snowboarding is so damn fun.

How did you become a leader in the snowboard business?
During the late 60s, I modified Snurfers until 1977 when I started Burton and built my first production prototype. I was a complete loser in shop class in school, yet there I was, working out of a barn in Vermont, figuring out how to manufacturer a snowboard. There was no road map. I combined some skateboarding and a little bit of surfing experience with the Snurfer, then added some common sense--which is probably why it took so long to make a product that was rideable. The rest is history I guess.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid I worked at the New York Racetrack (Aqueduct) right near my house. For a long time my aspiration was to become a race-horse trainer. I later found out that it probably wasn't the best industry to get into if you love animals as much I do.

What is your favorite thing about coming to work?
When you walk into your house you're pretty much living and breathing your family. When I walk into Burton I have the opportunity to live and breathe snowboarding. I've been doing this for over half my life, and it presents a vibe that makes me very comfortable, happy and productive. And I also like saying hi to all the dogs on the walk to my office.

Why do you think your peers consider you one of the most influential people in the snowboard industry?
I think my success came down to being there at the beginning, working ridiculously hard, and using creative solutions to problems or challenges. If you do all of that, surround yourself with good people and treat them well, it'll be alright.

What sport (other than snowboarding) do you enjoy playing or watching the most and why?
As far as 'playing' outside of snowboarding it's pretty much all about surfing for me. I'm taking more time in the snowboarding off-season to go on surf trips, and it seems that on every trip I get more addicted to the sport. I'll never be as good of a surfer as I am a snowboarder, but I have a lot of fun trying.

If you could change one thing about the snowboard industry, what would that be?
As far as the sport goes, it would be pretty cool if avalanches didn't exist. They've ruined many a good day and taken a lot of people out in the process. On the industry side, I would make it a rule that you can't have a trade show unless it's at a powder resort destination.

What international place have you traveled to where you think you could live?
New Zealand or Australia would probably be right up there, but I could see myself living in Japan or Europe (which I've already done) as well. While I certainly travel a lot, I regret the fact that I haven't taken more time to actually live in some foreign locations. It has such a positive impact in terms of broadening your perspectives, but at the same time making you appreciate what you have at home.

What is the scariest moment you have ever had in snowboarding?
About 20 years ago, our bank who was lending us all the money that we needed to run our business told us they didn't want to lend us money anymore. They were convinced snowboarding was a fad that had run its course. That was a scary time.

When people look back on your life, how do you want to be remembered?
I'd like to be remembered as a good husband, father, friend, relative and someone who always did the right thing for the sport of snowboarding and the Burton brand.

What is the greatest thing about being you?

What is the most difficult thing about being you?
Going to trade shows and being a complete asshole magnet.

What is more important to you than snowboarding?
My family and friends.

What suggestions would you give to someone who aspires to be like you?
Choose an industry with a lifestyle that you can become passionate about and don't ever consider giving up.

If you had to pick one person who has inspired you, who would that be and why?
Whether he was alive or dead, Craig Kelly has always shown me the way.

What is next for you? What does your future hold?
Hopefully a lot more powder days and a few barrels along the way.

OK, so there's no chocolate river or Willy Wonka. But for a snowboarder, visiting the Burton Manufacturing Center is a bit like winning the golden ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Take a tour and see how some of our top snowboards are handmade, right here in Vermont. . .
This is one of many manufacturing centers that produce Burton snowboards worldwide, and the one closest to the main hub of Burton business. At BMC, we produce several of the most innovative and high-tech boards such as the Powers and Troop series. We're always working to make better boards and improve the production process. From start to finish, more than 40 people handle a board. At every stage of the manufacturing process, each station performs a number of quality control checks. It's a lot of work, but it pays off on the mountain. Bringing your dog to the office and skipping work on those epic days when it snows more than two feet are two of the best benefits of working at Burton. Find your dream job here.